New Haven Final, Lucie v Petra!

I wasn’t planning to write anything more about New Haven but… Lucie v Petra! The pair haven’t played since the semi-finals of Wimbledon last year where Petra claimed her sixth consecutive victory over Lucie, 7-6(6) 6-1. Lucie competed exceptionally well in the first set of that match considering the occasion but she’s never been able to beat the Petra.

Lucie’s last two matches have featured some jittery moments; against Dominika Cibulkova in the quarter-finals, she was unable to convert on a 4-0 first set lead but hung tough in the decider, prevailing, 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5, in a match that lasted two hours and 56 minutes. Against Lesia Tsurenko in the semi-finals, Lucie lost a double break lead in the second set before sealing the win in the second set tiebreak, 6-2 7-6(4). Lucie will play Tsurenko again in the first round of the US Open… eeeek!

Petra came into New Haven winless since Wimbledon and struggling with the effects of mono… the world number five has had awesome week, securing three quality wins against Madison Keys (4-6 6-1 6-2), Agnieszka Radwanska (7-5 6-4) and Caroline Wozniacki (7-5 6-1). This is Petra’s fourth New Haven final in a row and she will be bidding for her third title at the Connecticut Open. Even with Petra’s ability to storm into finals off the back of zero form, I didn’t expect this. Exactly the same happened in Madrid…

Of the six matches they have played, Lucie has won a set on two occasions in Doha (7-6 5-7 6-2, 2014) and Eastbourne (6-1 5-7 7-6, 2014). This isn’t a great match-up for Lucie as she seems to have a bit of a mental block.. and Petra is just always too tough, exhibiting that ability to take her hitting to another level. The fact they haven’t played for a while will make this more intriguing and it will be their ever final against each other.

I’d have to go for Petra based on her record in New Haven, her head-to-head against Lucie and also, her success in finals with her record currently standing at 16-5. The match is not before 3pm local time, which is 8pm in the UK time… i’m already looking forward to the trophy ceremony which will be AWESOME whatever the outcome 🙂

8 thoughts on “New Haven Final, Lucie v Petra!”

Petra has a h2h 6-0 over Lucie,these 2 players know each other games backwards,they are also practice partners.Impressed with Petra’s win over Caroline in straight sets,especially in the 2nd set.Petra to win,though I would be delighted like James if Lucie can get her first win over Petra:)

I can’t vote in this poll lol. I believe you are right though and that Petra will take the trophy. Lucie is still very unstable in her matches, and loses her focus at times, which can be a disaster against someone like Petra.
However, many great things have happened for Lucie since they last played and I’m very curious and excited about seeing how Lucie will compete with Petra tonight.

I was completely against Lucie’s participation in this tournament as it was so close to the US Open but now that she has reached the final, she might as well win it. I will root for her as always and no matter what but either way, this is simply a dream final!

I had Petra making the finals at 50% chance and Lucie at a 75% chance. As it has played out now, I really want Lucie to get one back over Petra, but realistically I will give the win to Petra.

Familiarity is a massive plus, it adds to her strengths, and if she knows anyone’s game, it is that of Lucie. Had this been the USopen I would bet on Lucie, but new haven isn’t so grand, I wonder how much fight she is willing to throw down before the big one.
Petra in 3-sets ( Hope Lucie nicks one just for respectability).

Nice hug at the net between Lucie and Petra:) Lucie for the first time did take a set off Petra,though she needed to return serve,especially on Petra’s 2nd serves in the last 2 sets,she did look tired to me,nice rallies between these two,regardless of the loss in the final,a good preparation for the USO.